I am proud to write this letter to endorse dedicated Republicans Steve Castronova and Tricia Gerst for West Milford Council on Row A.
My mission this year, along with that of Council President Lou Signorino and Councilman Tim Wagner, has been to deliver a 2017 township budget with no tax increase while maintaining local services. Months of diligent financial analysis and review have brought us close, and the three of us will accept nothing less than zero.
Unfortunately, our mission not to raise your taxes has been met with serious and persistent opposition by other members of your local governing body. Despite this resistance, we feel strongly that West Milford’s hardworking taxpayers cannot afford a tax increase – and I know we are not alone.
Steve Castronova and Tricia Gerst have also supported a zero increase to property taxes. With Steve owning a local business and Tricia taking in her elderly mother to live with her, they understand the challenges facing our local entrepreneurs, growing families, and senior citizens. Their collective experience as small business people and homeowners in West Milford bring proven leadership skills to the table to keep local taxes down, challenge Newark Watershed to pay its fair share, and advocate to change the Highlands Act to allow for new tax ratables in our town, while protecting the best interests of our children and elderly.
While their opponents have a proven track record of voting in favor of local tax increases, Steve and Tricia have been on the ground listening to fellow residents’ concerns about affordability in West Milford. They feel the firsthand effects of West Milford’s high cost of living and will work tirelessly to change this course.
Since you chose me to take office in January, I have asked tough questions, demanded additional information, and challenged the liberal spending attitudes of past administrations. I refuse to accept local elected officials seeking puppets to push their personal agenda. I seek independent leaders who will do what is right for West Milford, no matter what. Both Steve and Tricia share these core values.
Lou, Tim, and I remain committed in our quest to reign in local taxes. To help us, I ask my fellow residents to pull the lever for Steve Castronova and Tricia Gerst for Council on June 6. We need fiscally conservative leaders like Steve and Tricia. West Milford cannot afford anything less.
Councilman Pete McGuinness
West Milford